Introduction to Tertiary Filtration Study Guide November 1991 Edition
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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wastewater Operator Certification Introduction to Tertiary Filtration Study Guide November 1991 Edition Subclass H Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Science Services Operator Certification Program P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 http://dnr.wi.gov The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services, and functions under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Office, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. This publication is available in alternative format (large print, Braille, audio tape. etc.) upon request. Please call (608) 266-0531 for more information. Printed on 07/18/13 Introduction to Tertiary Filtration Study Guide - November 1991 Edition Preface This operator's study guide represents the results of an ambitious program. Operators of wastewater facilities, regulators, educators and local officials, jointly prepared the objectives and exam questions for this subclass. Note: Key knowledges 2.1.9 and 2.1.10 were edited July 2013. How to use this study guide with references In preparation for the exams you should: 1. Read all of the key knowledges for each objective. 2. Use the resources listed at the end of the study guide for additional information. 3. Review all key knowledges until you fully understand them and know them by memory. It is advisable that the operator take classroom or online training in this process before attempting the certification exam. Choosing A Test Date Before you choose a test date, consider the training opportunities available in your area. A listing of training opportunities and exam dates is available on the internet at http://dnr.wi.gov, keyword search "operator certification". It can also be found in the annual DNR "Certified Operator" or by contacting your DNR regional operator certification coordinator. Acknowledgements Special appreciation is extended to the many individuals who contributed to this effort. Thomas A. Kroehn, Director of Office of Operations and Maintenance, DNR. Thomas P. Mickelson, Coordinator, Operator Certification and Training, DNR. Wastewater operators were represented by: Bob Anderson - Brooklyn Jerry Carroll - Lancaster Berger Enstad - Sun Prairie Phil Hoopman - Ripon Pat O'Flahrity - Mineral Point Phil Hoopman - Ripon Cheryl Janny - Watertown Mike Kelly - Jefferson Printed on 07/18/13 Dave Paulson - Monroe Kevin Pub - Watertown Joel Sampson - Lomira Brian Schepp - Waupun Mark Sillmon - Waterloo Steve Swiggum - Marshall Dennis Westhuis - Waupun VTAE and educational interests were represented by: Glen Smeaton, Environmental Education Pat Gomez, Moraine Park Technical College Bill Hughes, Mead & Hunt DNR district offices were represented by: Tom Mugan, Southern District, Fitchburg DNR central office was represented by: Lori Eckrich, Madison Ron Wilhelm, Madison Printed on 07/18/13 Introduction to Tertiary Filtration Study Guide - November 1991 Edition Table of Contents Chapter 1 - Principle, Structure and Function Section 1.1 - Principle of Tertiary Filtration pg. 1 Section 1.2 - Structure and Function pg. 1 Chapter 2 - Operation and Maintenance Section 2.1 - Operation pg. 3 Section 2.2 - Maintenance pg. 7 Chapter 3 - Monitoring and Troubleshooting Section 3.1 - Monitoring pg. 8 Section 3.2 - Troubleshooting pg. 9 Chapter 4 - Safety and Calculations Section 4.1 - Safety pg. 12 Section 4.2 - Calculations pg. 13 Printed on 07/18/13 Introduction to Tertiary Filtration Study Guide - November 1991 Edition Chapter 1 - Principle, Structure and Function Section 1.1 - Principle of Tertiary Filtration 1.1.1 Discuss the primary purpose of tertiary filtration. Tertiary filtration is used to reduce BOD, total suspended solids and phosphorus in the final effluent. Suspended solids will have BOD and phosphorus associated with it so by removing suspended solids to very low levels will also significantly reduce the BOD and phosphorus. Filtration may be required to consistently achieve stringent effluent limits for BOD, TSS and phosphorus. 1.1.2 Describe receiving stream water quality/quantity characteristics that would require tertiary filtration. Stream water quality classifications describe the use that the water course should achieve. The general classifications are exceptional waters (no discharge allowed), high quality (trout streams with strict effluent limits), normal fish and aquatic life (majority of water courses), intermediate (low quality), and marginal (basically effluent streams). Tertiary filtration could be required on almost any of these classifications in order to meet the stream classification requirements. The flow quantity in the stream is used to determine the allowable loading without affecting the intended stream use (low flow streams would have strict effluent limits while larger streams may need only secondary limits). 1.1.3 Define the terms headloss and terminal headloss. Headloss is defined as the loss of flow energy of the water as it passes through a filter. The greater the vertical difference between the upstream water levels and the downstream water levels, the greater the headloss. Terminal headloss is the maximum headloss allowed prior to backwashing. Section 1.2 - Structure and Function 1.2.1 Describe where water enters and leaves a filter during the following functions: A. During a filter run B. During a backwash cycle A. During a filter run: after secondary treatment the final effluent flows to the filter via various piping arrangements; liquid flow to the filter is normally controlled by weirs or valving arrangements; the water leaves the filter after passing through the media using an underdrain system B. During a backwash cycle: during a backwash cycle the flow through the filter is reversed, with the backwash water entering the underdrain system and flowing upward through the media; the backwash water is directed to a waste drain line that goes to a spent backwash tank or to the head of the treatment plant Page 1 of 15 Printed on 07/18/13 Introduction to Tertiary Filtration Study Guide - November 1991 Edition 1.2.2 Describe the function of the following parts of a filter: A. Media B. Underdrains C. Washwater troughs D. Media support A. Media: the function of the media is to provide filtering to remove suspended solids; the suspended solids are "trapped" in the media B. Underdrains: the function of the underdrains is to collect the filtered water and convey the water to downstream treatment units; the underdrains are also used during backwash to convey the backwash water to the filter media C. Washwater troughs: the washwater troughs are channel-like devices located above the media used to convey backwash water from the filter to a waste drain line D. Media support: the media support is used to prevent the media from entering the underdrain system; depending on the type of filter, the support system can include a gravel bed on top of the underdrains, the top of the underdrain systems that provides media retaining strainers, or in the case of shallow bed filters various forms of porous plates. 1.2.3 Diagram a piping by-pass arrangement for a filter and indicate the valving required to isolate the filter. With either deep bed or shallow bed filters, the filter is by-passed using piping, and valving arrangements to isolate the filter. To isolate the filter close valves 2 and 3 and open valves 1 and 4. Figure 1.2.3.1 1.2.4 Identify the common media materials used for filtration. Coarse sand, fine sand, anthracite, and garnet are commonly used as filter media. The purpose of using these materials is to remove as much suspended solids as possible. The media present a barrier with pore size smaller than the suspended solids. Page 2 of 15 Printed on 07/18/13 Introduction to Tertiary Filtration Study Guide - November 1991 Edition 1.2.5 Describe the location of the various media in multi-media filters. Stratified deep bed multi-media filters use various materials as media. During backwash with the bed fully expanded (fluidized) the media is redeposited in order of specific gravity and size (lightest and finest on the top). Specific gravity values are anthracite 1.6 to 1.7 with an effective size of 1.0-1.2 mm, sand 2.65 with an effective size of 0.5-0.6 mm, and garnet 4.0 to 4.6 with an effective size of 0.3-0.4 mm. Most multi-media filters would have the following sequence from top to bottom anthracite- sand-garnet. If gravel is used for media support it would be on the bottom above the underdrains. The common dual-media would be anthracite and sand. Large solids would be retained in the upper media with finer solids retained in the lower smaller effective size media. Typical dual and multi-media filters will have total media depth of 30" to 48". The anthracite in dual-media filters would range between 8" to 24". Shallow bed filters (less than 18") use just sand with an effective size of 0.5 to 0.6 mm. Single media filters may be stratified or unstratified. 1.2.6 Discuss the common auxiliary cleaning aids that may be used during backwashing to aid in cleaning the media. Air scour and surface jets may be used to aid in cleaning the media during backwashing. Surface jets are used in some filters to increase shearing action during backwash which aids in the cleaning of the media and surface encrustations. Air scour increases turbulence and bed expansion during the backwash cycle. The increased agitation of the filter bed by the air scour improves the removal of solid particles from the media. Air scour reduces the formation of mudballs and reduces the amount of backwash water needed. Chapter 2 - Operation and Maintenance Section 2.1 - Operation 2.1.1 List the items to consider in starting-up a filter that is new, replaced, or has been stored dry.